People sometimes ask if my art was inspired by __________ , but often the answer is that it wasn't, because I've never seen/read ________ (due to me being far more immersed in Soviet novels than American pop culture).

Today I came across yet another fantastic improbability, an obscure/extremely rare Soviet Poster that seems to be exactly like the character "Stealy" out of Rick and Morty.He's even called "Hapuga", which translates to "Stealy".

Evaluate it for yourself and see how many similarities you can find:

This is a perfect example of people having similar ideas spanning across completely different cultures/time.

However, these days to get a unique pitch of inspiration, instead of just breaking into abandoned castles, or doing drugs like those "cool kids" from DARE commercials... I slap some math into Mandelbulb software, render it and mutate the result, until something wacky comes out!

The most interesting thing about Mandelbulb is that the 3d fractals it produces are literally INFINITE - the 3d space spirals on forever, occasionally folding into itself like a mobius loop.

This effect can create great perspective references for "infinite" cities:

Alien planets:

Or any kind of sci-fi scene, really:

I use the Navigator window to fly around the render gawking at the odd angles in the perspective/objects. Often, it provides me with an experience of an environment that exists out of normal space-time where perspective can twist at random, where a little tweak can mutate, merge or fold one infinite object/plane/angle into another.

I dream of an integration of Oculus rift with Mandelbulb for a true experience of a 3D space that can fold into itself!Born too early to go to space? Well at least we can get to explore infinite space created in Mandelbulb.

Eventually, my exploratory flying inside a random Mandelbulb render gets me to an interesting view and I use it as a matte for a painting.

Apologies for the delay with the episode update, it is almost done. I have been busy like a bug on several things and spread pretty thin this year.

What might those several things be, you ask? I AM SO GLAD YOU ASKED.

1. On October 3rd, 2017, my very own squishy human will enter this world. Many preparations have been required for this, and many additional commissioned works have been taken on to ensure everything will be okay! This has meant my wife Nikkita has had to step back from convention related duties in order to look after her health.

1a. It is also convention season, so for many weeks at a time this summer I am traveling across Canada like a Khajit selling wares. Some of the conventions I have been unable to attend due to squishy human related medical problems, but we have some dedicated minions helping out so be sure to say "HELLO!" in your grandest and most frilly voice.

2. In addition to a few other projects: "Studio Cat" Nikkita has been working non-stop on a delicious new website, something that will be easier to navigate, quicker to load, and full of easter eggses. This has also given me the opportunity to massage the story in a way that makes sense, and of course, always adding new content -- new art, new stories, etc. If you're looking for an extra fix, be sure to check out the "Snippy Tourguide" and "I, ANNET" companion book brought to you by our UK crew. They worked for quite a while to get it ready for your enjoyments, making sure everything be perfect.

3. Speaking of a few other projects: Book 3 was officially released a few months ago; we are preparing for official translations in French, Russian, and Korean to be released, and for some boring business aspects: setting up European distribution so at least another part of the world outside of US/Canada can have cheaper shipping rates. Book 4 and updated Art Book are on track for beginning of 2018.

4. RA is also on: Webtoons! Art and journals are incorporated together and being added as time goes on. Please check it out here.

5. The Patreon (Click Click) will be picking up after August, in which I'll have access to better internet connection in order to stream and upload videos. During Nikkita's boring business adventures, she found a way to offer physical monthly perks: things like stickers, pins, etc. So be sure to expect that when the Patreon perks are revamped.

With some DIY art creativity (or refs/plans from Pinterest), these old palettes can be turned into fences, patio furniture, and even a backyard shed (I already built a small shed today for mah ancient lawnmower).

Lifehack #2: I also know of a way to obtain infinite flowers for projects like these:Just visit a local events/weddings hall/chapel on their recycling day.After ceremonies are done, some of them literally throw away boatloads of plastic flowers.